Feasibility of utilizing radiochromic nickel complex gel for radiation processing

A radiation-sensitive nickel nitrate complex gel was prepared in three concentrations, and dosimetric characteristics were investigated for routine use in gamma radiation processing. Nickel nitrate hexahydrate/Gelatin/1,5-diphenylcarbazone (Ni/G/DPCO) gel demonstrated a maximum wavelength of 535 nm and linear dose-response of 10–1300 Gy. By increasing the absorbed dose, the Ni/G/DPCO gel has a visual color change from purple to colorless. The dose rate dependence on the gel sensitivity at 1.17 and 0.062 Gy/s dose rates was less than 10% difference at a linear dose range of 10–1300 Gy. Color stability before and after irradiation was up to 35 days, and the overall coefficient of variation, CV%, was found to be 3.87%. Hence, the observations proved that the gel has favorable characteristics for food irradiation, insect population control, and irradiation of agricultural products.